The 17th Annual
NC State University
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Biological
Sciences:
Zoology,
Physiology, Behavior, Neurobiology
Abstracts
Abstracts are listed in alphabetical order by the last name of the
corresponding author.
- Biological
Sciences abstracts
Applied Sciences (Crop, Poultry, Animal, and Horticultural Sciences)
Ecology,
Environmental, Conservation, Botanical
Molecular,
Biochemical, Genetics, Cell Biology
Zoology, Physiology, Behavior,
Neurobiology
- Engineering
& Technology abstracts
- Humanities,
Social Sciences, Psychology
abstracts
- Physical
and Mathematical Sciences abstracts
|
Beveridge, Heather L. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Animal Science |
|
Research |
Sue Stuska/Wildlife Biologist -
Horses, Cape Lookout National Seashore |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Wild Horse Behavior and the Indirect
Effects of Immunocontraception on the Social Behavior of Free-Roaming Horses
on Shackleford Banks |
The
behaviors of wild horses have often been observed and interpreted to better
understand and communicate with domestic horses. One hundred and twenty-one
free-roaming horses on Shackleford Banks, North Carolina were observed for two
weeks from July 9th to July 22nd 2007. This study focused on analyzing various
stimuli and consequential behaviors related to harem stability, reproduction,
health, and dominance, that these behaviors could be compared with those
observed in domestic horses. An analysis of observed behaviors has provided
indications of natural motivations of domestic horses and methods horse owners
may use to safely and more efficiently care for and handle their horses. Also
of interest in this study were the indirect effects of immunocontraception on
the social behavior of wild horses. Harem changes were recorded for eight
control mares and fifty-six contracepted mares over the two week period. It was
found that contracepted mares changed harems 10.33 times more than control
mares over the two weeks. Variables that may have affected the results included
a shortage of fresh water in the few water holes located on the island during
the first week coupled with increasing water levels in the second week from
heavy rains, as well as the short length of the study. It is concluded that the
difference between harem changes in control and contracepted mares is
significant enough to support that immunocontraception affects harem stability
and the social behavior of wild horses.
|
Buneviciute, Juste |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biological Sciences |
|
Research |
Narseta Mickuviene/Institute of
Psychophysiology and Rehabilitation, Lithuania Robertas Bunevicius/Institute of
Psychophysiology and Rehabilitation, Lithuania |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Big-Five Personality Dimensions and
Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with
Coronary Artery Disease |
Health-related
quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly being assessed as an important outcome
parameter in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In the study, we
examined the effects of the Big-Five personality dimensions on HRQoL in
patients with CAD. Ninety nine patients (69 men and 30 women) attending
rehabilitation program completed the study filling the Ten Item Personality
Inventory (TIPI) to assess Big-Five personality dimensions, and the 36-item
Short Form Medical Outcome Questionnaire (SF-36) to assess HRQoL. We used
stepwise linear regression analyses to examine if Big-Five personality
dimensions predict HRQoL, where scores of the five TIPI personality dimensions,
age, and gender were used as independent variables and subscales of the SF-36
were used as dependent variables. We found that in these models TIPI Emotional
Stability dimension was a single significant predictor of the SF-36 score on
the subscale for Mental Health (b=.468, p=.000), of the score on the subscale
for Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems (b=.269, p=.007); of the score
on the subscale of Energy/Vitality (b=.377, p=.000); of the score on the
subscale of Pain (b=.233, p=.021); and of the score on the subscale of General
Health Perception (b=.281, p=.005). SF-36 subscale of Social Functioning was
also predicted by scores on the TIPI dimension of Emotional Stability (b=.246,
p=.013) as well as by gender (b=-.227; p=.021). SF-36 subscale of Physical
Functioning was predicted by gender only (b=-.241, p=.017) and SF-36 subscale
of Role Limitation due to Physical Problems did not fit to the model at all. It
may be concluded that in patients with CAD Big-Five personality dimension of
Emotional Stability, but not other Big-Five personality dimensions, predicts
General Health Perception, as well as mental health related aspects of HRQoL,
but not physical aspects of HRQoL.
|
Carnes, Mary M. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Robert M. Grossfeld/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Quantifying Glutamate
Carboxypeptidase (GCP) Protein in Developing Rat Nervous Tissue |
Glutamate
carboxypeptidase (GCP) is present in the nervous system, in the prostate,
(where it is called prostate specific membrane antigen, or PSMA), and in the
intestine (where it is called folate hydrolase). It is a membrane-bound
peptidase which hydrolyzes N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) to form glutamate.
NAAG and glutamate are important neurotransmitters in mammalian nervous system,
affecting nerve cell function and viability.
It has been suggested that GCP influences peripheral nerve development
and regeneration by controlling a NAAG- or glutamate-mediated signaling process
between axons and glial (Schwann) cells that form myelin. Previous work in our
laboratory indicated that the enzymatic activity of GCP decreases in sciatic
(peripheral) and optic (central) nerves after the second week of postnatal
development. The goal of this study was to quantify the amount of GCP protein
in neonatal vs. adult rat nervous tissue to determine if the changes in
enzymatic activity reflect changes in the amount of enzyme protein. Rat brains
and sciatic and optic nerves were isolated, homogenized, and analyzed for
protein content. Tissue proteins and molecular weight standards were separated
by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western blots were probed with
commercial antibodies raised against human PSMA or a monoclonal antibody raised
against human GCP (kindly provided by the laboratory of Dr. Jan Konvalinka of
the Czech Republic). Membranes were scanned on a Li-Cor Odyssey Infrared
Imaging System for secondary antibody-conjugated fluorescence. The human GCP
antibody specifically identified a protein of about 105 kDa in rat brain
extract. That is approximately the published size for human GCP. We are
currently optimizing conditions for using it to quantify GCP protein in
extracts of rat sciatic and optic nerves.
We are grateful to Jane Lubischer and Chris Gambino for help with
dissections.
|
DeCoster, Julie A. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) |
|
Research |
Karen Dorman/OB/GYN, University of
North Carolina (UNC) Rachel Delatte/OB/GYN, UNC |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Screening for Postpartum Depression:
The University of North Carolina Experience |
Postpartum
depression (PPD) affects 11-20% of pregnant women, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed
and untreated. However, screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal
Depression Scale (EPDS) have been shown to improve detection. In March 2006,
the University of North Carolina (UNC) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
implemented universal postpartum screening using the EPDS for all women
receiving postpartum care at its clinics.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of EPDS in the UNC
clinic population and to assess knowledge and attitudes of care givers in
detection and treatment of PPD. A retrospective chart review of 512 postpartum
patients was performed to extract relevant demographic, medical, and
psychiatric information. Charts of women
with a positive EPDS score (>12) were further investigated to determine
whether they were referred to a mental health provider. An email survey of 47
UNC physicians, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was
administered to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare
providers. Demographic statistics showed
that UNC has a diverse yet healthy population with an average EPDS score of
5.8. Our survey revealed that, in
accordance with literature on the topic, providers at UNC feel responsible for
and confident in screening for PPD. In
contrast, more than half of the population was not counseled about PPD and did
not have a documented EPDS score.
Furthermore, statistics detailing the individual actions of providers at
postpartum visits found that the level of documentation varied broadly
according to the type of provider that saw the patient as well as the level of
score noted on the EPDS. This indicates a gap between what should be done at
postpartum visits and what is being documented.
Therefore, future aims should be to stimulate conversation about PPD at
UNC and build education programs about screening.
|
Desmarais, Jamie A. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biological Sciences |
|
Research |
Jane Lubischer/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Morphological Changes at the
Neuromuscular Junction in Aging Mice |
It
has long been known that a number of changes occur throughout the body during
aging that often lead to loss of physiological function. One of these age-related changes is believed
to occur at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which ultimately can have effects
on the muscular system and movement.
Mice of varying ages were examined to identify possible age related
morphological changes at the NMJ. Groups
examined were young (2 months old, n=2), middle aged (8 months old, n=2), old
(14 months old, n=2) and very old (22 months old, n=3). Fluorescence immunohistochemistry was used to
label axons, synaptic vesicles, and acetylcholine receptor endplates for
visualization with a light microscope. In agreement with previous studies,
there was an increase in retraction bulb appearance axonal beading, and
endplate complexity. In addition, there
was an increased incidence of incomplete coverage of the endplates by the nerve
terminals. Interestingly, preliminary
observations suggest that these changes may increase incrementally with age,
with the fewest changes at 8 months and
the most seen in the oldest mice.
Further studies will quantify the observed changes. It would also be of interest to study the
functional changes associated with the observed morphological changes.
|
Gambino, Christopher D. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Robert M. Grossfeld/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Investigating the Influence of
N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) on Mammalian Peripheral Nerve
Development |
ATP
and glutamate are known to be intercellular signaling agents that regulate
differentiation or function of neurons and glia in the nervous system.
N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), a peptide that contains glutamate, has been
proposed to act similarly in peripheral nerve. In central nervous system, all
three of these substances activate changes in glial cells that may impact the
development and function of the nerve fibers. On the other hand, at high levels
they are toxic and cause cell death.
Currently, it is not known what effect NAAG, glutamate or ATP might have
on peripheral nerve in vivo at early developmental stages when glial cells are
proliferating, differentiating and forming layers of myelin insulation around
axons. NAAG and/or glutamate have been
indirectly implicated in one or more of these processes. Rat pups at 6-8
postnatal days, the early onset of myelination, were anesthetized to expose the
sciatic (a peripheral) nerve. The exposed nerve was treated typically for 1
hour with ATP, glutamate, or NAAG while the contralateral sciatic nerve served
as an unoperated control. Operated animals were returned to their mother and
littermates, and one week later, both nerves were isolated, fixed, and embedded
in paraffin for preparation of longitudinal thick sections. Sections were
stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin to quantify the number of glial cell nuclei by
light microscope imaging. When the
nerve was treated with ATP solution, the number of cell nuclei along the nerve
increased. We are currently testing the utility of implanting osmotic
mini-pumps for a prolonged exposure to ATP, glutamate, and NAAG.
|
Gannon, Morgan H. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biological Sciences Animal Science |
|
Research |
John E. Gadsby/Molecular Biomedical
Sciences – NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Control of Luteolytic Sensitivity in
the Porcine Corpus Luteum |
The
uniqueness of the porcine corpus luteum
(CL) is that it does not show a luteolytic
response to an external dose of Prostaglandin F-2alpha (PGF-2alpha)
until after day 12 of an 18-21 day
cycle, which is distinct from other farm animal species in which luteolysis can
be induced after about 6 days of the estrous cycle. The overall objective of
this study was to determine the mechanism by which the CL attains the ability
to respond to PGF-2alpha (=luteolytic
sensitivity), that has been hypothesized to occur between days 7 and 13
of the estrous cycle. In this specific
project, our major objective was to examine the effects of TNF-alpha on
prostaglandin (PGE-2 and PGF-2alpha)
production by porcine luteal cells as it relates to the role of TNF-alpha in sensitizing the luteal
cells to luteolytic actions of
PGF-2alpha. Through this study, we obtained results demonstrating that
TNF-alpha increased PGF-2alpha and PGE-2 secretion by porcine luteal cells on
days four and six of culture and preferentially increased PGF-2alpha
(compared with PGE-2) production on day six. In addition, it was observed that TNF-alpha
and PGF-2alpha treatment synergized to further augment PGF-2alpha
secretion on day 6 of culture. We thus concluded that the preferential
stimulation of PGF-2alpha versus PGE-2 secretion by porcine luteal cells by
TNF-alpha and/or PGF-2alpha promoted increased
sensitivity of luteal cells to PGF-2alpha leading to luteolysis
(decreased progesterone secretion).
|
Harpe, Nathan B. |
|
|
Department(s): |
College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences |
|
Research |
Michelle L. Mehalick/College of
Veterinary Medicine Gregory A. Lewbart/Aquatic,
Wildlife, and Zoologic Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine Daniel S. Dombrowski/NC Museum of
Natural Sciences Michael K. Stoskopf/ Clinical
Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Preliminary Assessment of a Visual
Scoring System for Identifying and Quantifying Anemia in Male Eastern Box
Turtles (Terrapene Carolina carolina) |
The
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Turtle Rescue
Team (NCSU-CVM TRT) regularly admits free-ranging eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) for
treatment and rehabilitation. The adult males normally have an impressive red
coloration of the iris, a feature commonly used to differentiate them from
their brown-eyed female conspecifics. Infrequently, male eastern box turtles
(EBTs) brought to the NCSU-CVM TRT will show marked paleness of the irises,
which has accompanied a finding of anemia. The goals of our study were to
examine the relationship between iris color and packed cell volume (PCV) in
adult male EBTs, and evaluate the precision of using iris color to predict PCV.
Eye color scoring cards were created using Adobe Photoshop®. Each card was made
up of blocks showing progressively lighter tints of a red hue, with a number
(score) assigned to each block. Three scoring cards were prepared (Five-block,
six-block, and nine-block), with lower numbers (scores) corresponding to
lighter tints. To determine the
variation in subjective color scores assigned by different human observers,
there were 85 individuals asked to score EBT eye color in three animals,
utilizing each of the three scoring cards. Iris color of adult male EBTs
presented to the NCSU-CVMTRT (16) and those housed at the NC Museum of Natural
Sciences (7) were scored using each of the three cards, immediately preceding
venipuncture of the occipital sinus for determination of PCV using
microhematocrit centrifugation. All animals were scored by at least two
individuals to correspond to PCV values.
Preliminary data shows a positive correlation between iris color score
and PCV (animals with lower scores have lower PCV), with similar R2 value for
all three scoring cards. Turtles with low scores (pale irises) consistently had
lower PCVs, however, the same consistency was not observed with higher scores
predicting higher PCVs.
|
Howington, Jessie C. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Harold Heatwole/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Water Bears at Yates Mill Pond, Wake
County, North Carolina |
Tardigrades
are invertebrates of the phylum Tardigrada (Kinchin 1994), and have been found
on every continent and in every type of environment (Miller 1997). This project was to discover the genera of
tardigrades found at Yates Mill Pond in Wake County, North Carolina. Samples of
mosses, lichens, and pond sediments were collected at Yates Mill Pond. Tardigrades
were extracted from these samples using the methods of Bartels and Nelson
(2006). From a total of 17 samples, six individual Tardigrades were found, two
from an aquatic sample and four from a terrestrial moss sample. Individuals
were identified to the generic level. Tardigrades found at Yates Mill Pond were
members of the genera Diphascon, Bryodelphax, Milnesium, Minibiotus,
and Doryphoribius.
|
Johnson, Emily M. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology Neurobiology |
|
Research |
John Godwin/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Transporter mRNA Localization in the Bluehead Wrasse brain (Thalassoma bifasciatum) |
Gamma-aminobutryic
acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in many species that serves a
variety of functional roles in the development and mature function of the
nervous system. Two specific GABA transporters in mammals have been linked to
schizophrenia and depression and GABA neurotransmission is a target for
anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, and anxiolytic drugs. Therefore, GABA is very
important clinically in the study of violence and depression. My research aims
to localize the human homologue of the GABA transporter in bluehead wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum. Microarray-based
comparisons of transcriptional profiles indicated higher expression of this
gene in large and colorful terminal phase males than in females or female-mimic
males. I performed in situ
hybridizations on preserved brain tissue from bluehead wrasse using a 33P-dATP
labeled oligonucleotide probe and incorporated multiple controls to ensure
specificity of labeling, including comparison with sense probes and RNase
pre-digestion. Strong expression in sensory processing areas of the bluehead
wrasse including the optic tectum and torus semicircularis was detected. Also,
strong expression of GABA transporter mRNA was seen in the hindbrain and
lateral recess, brain areas that have have been linked to sex-specific sensory
input and aggressive behavior, respectively. These findings are consistent with
a role for GABAergic neurotransmission varying in either sensory input or
integrative pathways across sexual phenotypes in this sex-changing species.
|
Khorram, Nikta |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biological Sciences |
|
Research |
Mani A. Daneshmand/General and
Thoracic Surgery |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Left Ventricular Assist Device as
Destination Therapy versus Alternate List Cardiac Transplantation |
Most
end-stage heart failure patients are ineligible for cardiac transplantation
based on standard criteria and have a high mortality with conventional
therapy. Newer surgical options for
these patients include the usage of marginal donor organs in an alternate list
heart transplant program (MDO ALHT), or left ventricular assist devices as
destination therapy (DT LVAD). The purpose of this study was to compare
outcomes following MDO ALHT versus DT LVAD. From 3/2000 to 9/2007, 103
consecutive patients who had been turned down for standard heart
transplantation underwent either MDO ALHT or DT LVAD. Patients were ineligible for standard heart
transplants for a variety of reasons.
Patients in the alternate list program received a donor organ which had
been turned down by all other centers for standard list recipients. The most common reasons for donor heart
refusal were decreased LV function or anatomic disease. The Heartmate XVE VAD was the most common
device utilized for the DT LVAD group. Outcomes for both groups were
retrospectively reviewed after IRB permission was obtained. Previously published REMATCH outcomes data
were obtained from the Thoratec Corporation for comparison. 62 patients underwent MDO ALHT, while 41
underwent DT LVAD. 85% (35/41) of DT
LVAD patients required preoperative
mechanical or inotropic support while only 58% (36/62) of MDO ALHT patients
required support (p=0.0046). 30 day
operative mortality was 1.6% (1/62) and 7.3% (3/41) for MDO ALHT and DT LVAD
respectively (p=0.297). Overall survival
at 2 years was better for MDO ALHT (76.4%) versus DT LVAD (36.6%,
p=0.005). Also, there was a trend towards
better DT LVAD survival (36.6%) at 2 years compared to the REMATCH DT LVAD (28.9%)
cohort (p=0.12).
|
Kissinger, Danielle L. Morley, Alyssa Taylor, Lucinda Slubowski, Lauren |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Kimberly A. Dingess/Anthropology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Within Group Communication in the
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) |
This
project investigated the vocal structure and context of short range
communication in the mantled howler monkey, Alouatta palliata. While much
attention has been given to long range vocalizations in this species, little is
know about their within group communication. Their short range vocal repertoire
includes: gulp, whine, whoop, grunt, gobble, and novel. Acoustic and behavioral
data was collected over 3 days using instantaneous scan sampling and digital
sound recording equipment. Of all vocalization types, 71.97% were gulps, and
this was most often associated with foraging and traveling. This vocalization
type was performed more often by adults than subadults. The second most
observed call (20.76%) was the whine call which was produced by juveniles. The
short-range communication of the mantled howler monkey is complex, and adequate
research into this area of study is sure to provide interesting insight into
the socioecology of this species.
|
Lawver, Daniel R. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Sciences |
|
Research |
Julia A. Clarke/Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Sciences |
|
Title of Presentation: |
A New Enantiornithes Bird from the
Cretaceous of Argentina |
Enantiornithes
are thought to be the most species-rich and geographically widespread lineage
of Mesozoic birds. They are scarce from
southern continents with only six previous Enantiornthes fossils having been
described from South America. A partial
wing element (i.e., a distal humerus) reported here, is the only avian fossil
found from the Late Cretaceous La Colonia Formation of Patagonia,
Argentina. Detailed study of its
morphology, comparisons with Enantiornithes as well as other Mesozoic birds
allows assessment of character states for phylogenetic analysis and addresses
the evolutionary relationships of the new fossil. The study specimen is identified as a part of
Enantiornithes as it displays strap-like distal condyles and a low angle of the
dorsal condyle with respect to the humeral shaft. Results from comparative work also shows that
the morphology of this specimen is significantly different form that of other
enantiornithine birds. Therefore, a new
species should be recognized.
Identification of this new species impacts our assessment of Late
Cretaceous bird diversity in South America.
Future research and new fossil material are needed, however, to further
detail where the new species falls within Enantiornithes.
|
Lusk, Selena C. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Jennifer L. Campbell/ Biological
Sciences; Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Effects of Dietary Iron on Key Iron
Metabolites in Captive Lemurs |
Prior
studies have suggested that lemurs, primitive primates from Madagascar, are
more susceptible to dietary iron storage disease (hemosiderosis) than other
captive exotic animals. Recent studies
do not show a strong relationship, however dietary intake has not been
quantified in any study to date. In
order to assess a link between iron intake and iron status, three groups of
black lemur (Eulemur macaco flavifrons)
were offered diets that differed in total iron. Groups were offered dietary
iron at the following levels along with their standard diets, a mixture of
commercially available biscuit and produce: 19.04mg (HFe), 15.04mg (MFe), and
11.04mg (LFe). As part of a five day
intake study, iron consumption was quantified for animals housed singly or in
pairs. Pairs were observed 30 minutes
post feeding to better estimate consumption.
To assess possible changes in iron status over time resulting from
dietary iron intake, serum iron (sI, ug/dL), ferritin (ng/mL), total iron
binding capacity (TIBC, ug/dL) and % transferrin saturation (sI/TIBC × 100)
were measured on Day 0, Day 14, Day 45, and Day 93. Average estimated iron intake for the three
groups was respectively, 18.18±1.61mg, 15.04±1.14mg, and 9.40±2.74mg, for HFe,
MFe, and LFe diets. Serum metabolites
results did not differ across the four time periods for the LFe diet, however
for the MFe and HFe diets, serum iron (p<0.02) and % transferrin saturation
(p<0.01) increased over time. Black
lemurs are not known to have a high incidence of hemosiderosis, thus future
studies should include other, more susceptible species such as the ruffed
lemur.
|
Mueez, Anwar I. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Center for Chemical Toxicology
Research and Pharmacokinetics |
|
Research |
Ronald E. Baynes/Center for Chemical
Toxicology Research and Pharmacokinetics |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Suspected Presence of
P-glycoproteins in Skin |
Avermectins
belong to a group of drugs that have been approved to treat parasitic
infections in both animals and humans. In previous experiments, absorption of
Avermectin alone has been very minimal when applied topically. Mixing
Avermectins with Verapamil has increased dermal absorption in rat skin, but the
exact mechanism is unknown, since Verapamil has three functions. The purpose of
this study was to determine which function(s) of Verapamil increases dermal
absorption. Porcine skin sections were perfused in a flow-through experiment
for 48 h and the disposition of [3H] Avermectin was determined from perfusate
and skin sample. This experiment was conducted twice; first it was performed on
silastic membrane. There were six treatment groups and the absorption of
Avermectin in silastic membrane was consistent ranging from 4.68% to 7.46%.
Flow through experiment on porcine skin showed an absorption ranging from 0.12%
to 0.25%. Absorption of methyl nicotinate (MNA) and avermectin alone was the
highest (0.25%) when compared with verapamil and all other individual drugs
used. Avermectin mixed with Verapamil showed 0.19% absorption. In addition to
verapamil and avermectin, three other drugs were used, all sharing one function
with verapamil. Cyclosporin and diltiazem both showed equal absorption (0.12%).
Mixture of Avermectin, Diltiazem, Cyclosporin and MNA showed the same
absorption as verapamil (0.19%). In summary, the absorption in the silastic
membrane was consistent, which indicated that the absorption was not enhanced
nor hindered due to chemical interaction between drugs. The results also showed
that verapamil did not increase absorption in porcine skin and Cyclosporine and
Diltiazem, which are P-gp blocker and calcium channel blocker respectively,
acted as an antagonist and showed significantly less absorption when compared
with the control. Use of MNA showed no significant increase in absorption.
|
Rankin, Susanna K. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
John R. Godwin/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Whole-body Cortisol Levels in
Relation to Anxiety-related Behaviors in Danio rerio (Zebrafish) |
In
recent years the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become an important biomedical
research model for the National Institutes of Health. Because of this, we are
using this species to assess genetic and environmental contributions to the
display of anxiety-related behaviors. Research in this model organism could
lead to a better understanding of mood disorders in humans, especially chronic
stress, and advances in aquaculture where stress-responsiveness impacts growth
and disease resistance. We are extracting cortisol from fifteen lab-reared
medium-anxiety fish derived from a wild stock of parents from India. Anxiety
behavior was tested in an open field test where medium-anxiety fish spent
between 50 and 200 seconds stationary out of 300 seconds tested. These fifteen
fish underwent a stress assay where they were individually held in one -liter
tanks. Five fish were used as controls, five fish were chronically stressed by
switching tanks daily, and five fish were acutely stressed for 30 minutes
before sacrifice. Whole body cortisol was extracted from these fish in a
radio-immuno-assay. Preliminary results show that acutely-stressed fish have
higher cortisol levels than chronically-stressed fish, which in turn have
higher cortisol levels than the control fish. Most stress in humans is not
acute stress but chronic stress, a type of stress that is not as well
understood as acute stress. Our protocol effectively induces differences in
endocrine physiology between fish experiencing an acute and chronic stressor.
The next step is to use microarrays to compare profiles of mRNA extracted from
the brains of these same fifteen fish to examine gene expression correlates of
both the endocrine stress response and changes with the nature of an applied
stressor.
|
Shope, Anna |
|
|
Department(s): |
University of North Carolina Dental |
|
Research |
David A. Barrow/Dental Research |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Effect of Periodontal Disease on
Pregnancy Outcomes |
Studies
have shown that oral bacteria in individuals with periodontal disease can cause
adverse pregnancy outcomes. Oral bacteria can infiltrate the placental blood
causing an immune response which can be harmful to developing fetuses. Low birth weight and prematurity are the most
common effects of periodontal disease on pregnancy. However, some preliminary studies have
suggested that treatment for periodontal disease during pregnancy can greatly
reduce the potential unfavorable effects. Larger clinical studies are underway
designed to confirm whether treatment during pregnancy is effective, and have
at least already confirmed that such treatment is safe.
|
Smith, Debbie L. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Bob Grossfeld/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Roles of ATP and Glutamate in
the Signaling Patterns of Optic Nerve Glia |
In
mammalian brain, glial cells are nine times more numerous than neurons. In the
past two decades, researchers have found that glia perform many vital functions
previously associated only with neurons, including regulating neuronal
signaling. ATP and glutamate are important
chemical transmitters used normally by both neurons and glia. However, at high concentrations they are
toxic, contributing to neurodegenerative disorders. It has been suggested that the action of
glutamate as a neuron-to-glia signaling agent is mediated by glial cell release
of ATP. The purpose of this project was
to determine whether the glial response to glutamate could be blocked
completely by an antagonist of ATP receptors.
Optic nerves from 5-15 day old neonatal rats were isolated and incubated
with Fluo-3 AM, a calcium-sensitive dye.
The glial cell calcium responses were observed and captured by optical
imaging. Nerves were treated with either
glutamate or ATP, with or without specific blockers of purinergic (i.e. ATP or
adenosine) receptors present. ATP at 10
or 100 μM elicited in optic nerve glia a calcium response that could be
partially blocked by 10 μM suramin, a broad spectrum purinergic receptor
antagonist, but completely blocked by 200 μM. Glutamate at 100 μM gave a
longer-lasting response than the response to 100 μM ATP, albeit less
intense. With cyclothiazide and
DL-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartic acid present to attenuate glutamate receptor
desensitization and block cellular uptake of glutamate, respectively, the
intensity and duration of the glial cell response to glutamate were greatly
increased. Under these conditions,
suramin at 10-200 μM, only partially blocked the response to 100 μM
glutamate. This suggests that the glial
cell response to glutamate has both an ATP-independent and an ATP-dependent
component.
|
Stallings, Kevin D. |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biological Sciences |
|
Research |
William C. Grant/Biological Sciences |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Mean Sand Temperature as the Most
Important Factor in Determining the Hatch Success of
Loggerhead Sea Turtles on Siesta Key, Florida |
Loggerhead
Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta)
commonly nest on the Gulf Coast of Florida, May through October, with females
laying an average of 100 to 120 eggs per clutch. Siesta Key, Florida is a five mile stretch of
beach located on the Gulf Coast with the surrounding area having the highest
density of Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests.
A study was performed to determine if mean sand temperature differences
accounted for lower hatch percentage, per clutch, on the northern end of Siesta
Key versus the southern end. Prior
studies provided information on the required incubation range to facilitate
hatching. Using data collected from both
a temperature probe, in the field, and hatchling percentages from Mote Marine
Labs no correlation is observed between mean sand temperature and the
percentage of hatchling success. The
study did determine that the required incubation range is conservative and the
highest temperature limit can be increased.
Possible reasons for lower hatch success include a highly urbanized
northern end with stormwater runoff outfalls changing the sand compaction of
the area.
|
Sureja, Pooja M. Patel, Kinjal M.
|
|
|
Department(s): |
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences |
|
Research |
Sarah L. Ash/Food, Bioprocessing,
and Nutrition Sciences |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Educating Society on the Changes in
Diet that can Contribute to Good Health: A Visual Approach |
People
with cardiovascular disease and diabetics, like most Americans, often find it
difficult to prepare a meal that is nutritious, cost effective, and easy to
prepare. The objective of this study was to present this population with novel
ideas for meals that could make eating healthfully easier. In particular, we
wanted to convey the message that a meal does not have to consist of meat,
starch, and potatoes; it can be a big salad that contains items from each food
group. The motivation for this study came from revisions being done to the
cookbook “Heart and Soul” that was designed by NC Cooperative Extension
Educators, in which traditional southern recipes are made more “heart-healthy.”
The type and amount of items to be used from each food group in a salad were
determined with the help of the Food Guide Pyramid. Photographs of foods were
taken and a poster and handouts were designed and focus-group tested. These can
be displayed and distributed at senior centers and other place where Extension
Educators are teaching. It is hoped that these visual images will complement
the information in the text-only cookbook, generating a shift in perspective
about what makes a meal.
|
Vargas, Johanan |
|
|
Department(s): |
Zoology |
|
Research |
Brenda J. Grubb/Zoology |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Investigating the Pattern of Xenopus
Gene Expression during Embryonic Development |
Fertilization
marks the beginning of many processes in charge of regulating embryonic
development. The factors involved in these regulations are crucial for further
differentiation and overall healthy growth of the embryo. Transforming growth
factor beta is part of a group of proteins known as the TGF-beta family, which
includes the bone morphogenetic protein BMP4. TGF beta proteins control cell
proliferation and differentiation among other functions and can also act in
negative gene regulation.In this project we investigated whether TGF beta or
BMP4 could be a regulator of the Claudin 5 (cldn5) gene, which is a member of
the Claudin family of tight junction proteins and is important for early
development. In situ hybridization using an RNA probe for cldn5 was performed on
embryos exposed to TGF beta. The objective was to observe whether TGF beta/
BMP4 down regulated cldn5 or if the reverse was true. The results demonstrated
no real change in cldn5 expression in the presence of increased levels TGF-beta
allowing us to rule out this part of the signaling pathway. Further
experimentation was done with injection of cldn5 into the embryos, increasing
the level of the genes expression. In situ hybridization using an RNA probe for
BMP4 was then performed on the injected embryos. These results indicate a new
pathway that has not yet been described, that demonstrated the regulation of
both genes expressions. This may prove vital to further embryonic development
research.
|
White, Brittany D. Gonzalez-Engle, Jose Burrow, J. Scott Plonk, Timothy |
|
|
Department(s): |
Animal Science Wake Forest University Health
Sciences Brody School of Medicine at East
Carolina University |
|
Research |
David M. Cline/Emergency Medicine
Physician, WFU/BMC |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Clinical Factors Predicting Spinal
Cord Compression or Surgical Disease on STAT MRI of the Spine
in Non-Trauma Patients |
Objective:
To identify the clinical predictors of spinal cord compression and surgical
disease requiring emergency decompression.
Methods: 24 month retrospective analysis of all ED patients sent for
STAT MRI with an indication of suspected emergent surgical disease. Patients
with a history of impact trauma were excluded. Using a structured protocol,
charts were analyzed for the presence of clinical indicators of possible spinal
cord compromise or other surgical disease. Chi-Square was used to determine
univariate association; stepwise multivariate logistic regression identified
patient factors predicting spinal cord compression, spinal infection, or acute
surgical intervention. Results: Over 24
months, 347 patients met inclusion criteria. Clinical characteristics included:
subjective weakness: 174 (50.1%), subjective numbness: 165 (47.5%), saddle
anesthesia: 18 (5.2%), bladder dysfunction:83 (23.9%), bowel incontinence: 33
(9.5%), and history of active cancer: 38 (11%), objective weakness: 139 (40.1%)
and sensation deficit: 125 (36.0%). Although 170 patients (50.0%) had acute
findings on MRI (42.4% had herniated disc) spinal cord compression was found in
only 58 (16.7%). Spinal infection was found in 11 (3.2%) and surgery was performed
acutely in only 29 (8.4%). Independent predictors of spinal cord compression
were a history of active cancer, bladder dysfunction, and objective motor
weakness. Spinal infection was predicted by evidence of infection over the
spine and bladder dysfunction. Surgery was predicted by a history of cancer and
objective weakness only if it matched a specific dermatome pattern. Conclusions: A minority of patients sent for
STAT MRI of the spine are taken to surgery acutely (8.4%). In the absence of a
history of cancer, bladder dysfunction, or objective weakness, spinal cord
compression is less likely. Acute surgical intervention is predicted by a
history of active cancer, and a well defined pattern of motor weakness.
[ 2008
Undergraduate Research Symposium Main Page
]
Last modified April
2008 by Sharon E. Hunt,
WordHunting